2022 Colorado Primary

Republican

GUBERNATORIAL  CANDIDATES

GREG  LOPEZ

Candidate Information

Campaign Website URL:       www.Lopez2022.com

Email Address:       Greg@Lopez2022.com

Occupation/Vocation:       Small Business Owner

Military Background:       Disabled Veteran

Resident of Colorado:       34 years

Experience

What experience (personal, professional, other) would you bring to your role as Governor that will benefit our state?

 

As a former town of Parker, Strong Mayor (both Mayor and City Manager), I have firsthand experience in budgets, strategic planning, dealing with numerous community and social issues. I have dealt with transportation, water, economic/residential development, as well as dealing with special interest groups, organizations, and the media. As the former Colorado Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration along with being a small business owner, I know all the challenges that small business must overcome to survive and thrive. As someone who’s parents worked long hours in the fields to provide for their family, I respect and will protect the rights of farmers and ranchers. My professional positions required I work with individuals from various backgrounds and income levels.

Vision

What is your vision for being our state’s Governor?

 

A state where every community is thriving creating jobs; government is empowering people to live their lives not infringing on their rights. A state where the public education system respects parents’ rights; teaches the children how to read and write not social issues. Vocational training, civics, and home economics are embedded into the school environment. A state committed to the rule of law, making communities safe by supporting law enforcement agencies. Prosecuting criminals, eradicating the cartel, sex trafficking, minimizing homelessness and fentanyl use. Housing is affordable throughout the state. Outdoor sportsmanship is promoted and protected from harmful legislation. A state that has a vibrant economy, is safe, clean, healthy, and respects individual freedom and responsibility. A state with limited government.

States’ Rights

Many Americans are concerned about the Federal government usurping power from the States. Do you believe that the current balance of power between Federal and State governments represents or deviates from our Founding Fathers’ intent? As Governor, how would you seek to protect and exercise Colorado’s Constitutionally guaranteed states’ rights?

 

The rich, elitists controlling the Federal government have exceeded their authority and are usurping power from the states. Their actions are not in alignment with what the Founding Fathers intended. As Governor, I will notify both the President and Congress that any action taken by the Federal government that infringes on the life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness of the good people of Colorado will be disregarded. I will lead an effort to amend the Colorado Constitution to declare that only by the vote and consent of the people of Colorado will the state recognize any directive, mandate or legislation authorized by the President or Congress. Colorado will utilize the 10th amendment to protect the rights of its people.

 

Emergency Powers

Under what circumstances, if any, would you exercise emergency powers/issue mandates as Governor, rather than submit the issue to the legislative process? Do you believe that such emergency powers should be restricted, if so, how?

 

As Governor, I will govern with a steady hand and seek counsel from the President of the Senate, the Minority Leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, the Minority Leader of the House, and other community stakeholders prior to deciding to exercise the emergency powers of the Governor. It is imperative that the emergency powers of the Governor be limited and restricted to ensure that the rights and freedoms of the people are not being restricted and infringed upon. The Governor should be allowed to exercise the emergency powers for only 30 days at which time should the Governor feel the need to continue his emergency powers he must obtain the consent of the General Assembly.

 

Protecting the Most Vulnerable

As Governor, how would you seek to protect the most vulnerable in our state, including the lives of the unborn, the trafficked, and the elderly?

 

I am Pro-Life. As the head of the Executive Branch my responsibility is enforcing state laws which allows me to work with my Cabinet to ensure the state protects the most vulnerable. I as Governor and my wife, Lisa, as the First Lady have a joint responsibility to the people of Colorado to be the voice of the most vulnerable. Together we will engage with religious and non-profit groups to enlist their commitment to educate the public about the needs of the most vulnerable. Should it be determined that action by the General Assembly is required, we will jointly appeal to the General Assembly for such action. The Lt. Governor will also play a role in this effort.

vulnerable. Together we will engage with religious and non-profit groups to enlist their commitment to educate the public about the needs of the most vulnerable and options that support life for people in difficult circumstances. If action by the General Assembly is required, we will jointly appeal for such action. My Lieutenant Governor will also be active in this effort.

 

1st Amendment

What will you do as Colorado Governor to protect our citizens’ 1st Amendment rights to: the free exercise of religion, freedom of speech, peaceably assembly, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances, all of which are becoming more difficult to exercise in America (and around the world)?

 

I will publicly uphold, protect, and defend the Constitution under any circumstances. We must educate the younger generation as to why these rights are important and why they are part of the Constitution. As Governor, I will raise money from the private sector to create an animated musical educational short film on the first ten amendments of the constitution like those produced by Schoolhouse Rock. I will work with parents, school boards, the state board of higher education and others to require the use of the popular series of short films produced by Schoolhouse Rock: Multiplication Rock, Grammar Rock, America Rock, Science Rock, Computer Rock, Money Rock, and Earth Rock to be used in the kindergarten to 5th grade curriculum.

 

2nd Amendment

Do you believe that gun ownership is a civil right, and what are your positions in regards to red flag laws, magazine capacity bans, legislation that regulates gun storage, and permitless “Constitutional carry”?

 

I believe gun ownership is a right and should not be infringed upon as stated in the Constitution. In 2018, I was the only gubernatorial candidate that spoke against the red flag law. Red flag laws are “think crime” laws and they are wrong. These types of laws are undermining the rights of individuals prior to any crime being committed. I oppose magazine capacity bands, and legislation that regulates gun storage. Our communities would be safer if criminals knew that the state encouraged law abiding citizens to always keep and bear arms. While I support “Constitutional Carry”, people should be taught gun safety; owning and possessing a gun bears huge responsibility. Gun violence is committed by individuals not the gun.

State Budget

As Governor, what will be your priorities for the state budget and why? Constitutionally, do you agree or disagree with running a deficit yearly?

 

On November 9th, the day after the election, I will invite five stakeholders of each one of these industries to a two-day conference December 1st and 2nd to bring cohesion on these issues. I will provide the leadership needed to bring real solutions to how all these industries can survive and thrive jointly. I have done this exercise on numerous occasions as the Mayor of Parker, the President of the Hispanic Chamber, and the Director of the United States Small Business Administration. We will set the foundation for a 5 yr. plan that will enhance the productivity of these industries while safeguarding the environment. It is my responsibility to ensure that each one of these industries is respected and protected.

Competing Business Sectors

As Governor, how would you seek to support Colorado’s oil and gas, agriculture, and livestock industries, while also supporting the newer green energy and alternative food sources industries with which these traditional businesses sectors seemingly compete?

 

November 9, 2022, the day after this election, I will invite five stakeholders from each of these industries to a two-day conference on December 1st and 2nd to establish cohesion on these issues. I will provide the leadership necessary to create real solutions which are mutually beneficial. I have experienced success with this exercise on numerous occasions as Mayor of Parker, President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Director of the United States Small Business Administration. We will establish a foundation for a five-year plan that will enhance the productivity of these industries while safeguarding the environment and stimulating economic growth. It is my responsibility to ensure that each of these industries is respected and protected.

 

HEIDI  GANAHL

Candidate Information

Campaign Website URL:       www.HeidiForGov.com

Email Address:       Heidi@HeidiForGov.com

Occupation/Vocation:       CU Regent, Entrepreneur- Founder Camp Bow Bow, Fight Back Foundation, SheFactor, Heidi’s Colorful Colorado

Resident of Colorado:       44 years

Experience

What experience (personal, professional, other) would you bring to your role as Governor that will benefit our state?

I’m a successful CEO who turned my small business, Camp BowWow, into hundreds of franchises across the U.S. It became a $150 million brand, and hit the Inc. 500/5000 list five years in a row.

As a University of Colorado Regent, I have overseen a $5 billion budget and over 30,000 employees. I have chaired the finance committee, the audit committee, and the search committee for the new President of CU.

I have led Colorado ballot initiatives on important issues, including chairing the fight for TABOR called “No on Prop CC”, and chairing the fight to protect the Electoral College and stop the National Popular Vote.

I am the only Republican elected statewide currently serving in Colorado. I beat Polis’s hand-picked challenger, Alice Madden, and her Colorado Blueprint. In fact, I am the only person in this race for governor who has won as a Republican.

 

Vision

What is your vision for being our state’s Governor?

I am a proven leader who will fight for Colorado freedom and to restore our Colorado way of life. I believe in personal responsibility rather than government control and mandates! My priorities are clear: lowering both the cost of living and the soaring crime rate in our state, as well as providing a better future for our kids.

It is also time we respected rural Colorado again. We must prioritize protecting our agriculture and ranching industries, water rights, and getting our energy workers back to work. I will encourage innovation in our energy industry as well as less regulation, which will lead to cleaner and less expensive energy. I will lead with the honesty, ethics, and transparency our current governor’s office is missing.

States’ Rights

Many Americans are concerned about the Federal government usurping power from the States. Do you believe that the current balance of power between Federal and State governments represents or deviates from our Founding Fathers’ intent? As Governor, how would you seek to protect and exercise Colorado’s Constitutionally guaranteed states’ rights?

As governor, I will trust the people and follow the Constitution. The only thing I will mandate is freedom. I believe in the First Amendment, Second Amendment, state’s rights, free markets, and the rule of law. I will simplify our government by getting rid of Polis’ unsustainable, bloated government and high salaries. By giving people the ability to build their own future, I will peel back on policies and regulations that are hurting Coloradans.

Emergency Powers

Under what circumstances, if any, would you exercise emergency powers/issue mandates as Governor, rather than submit the issue to the legislative process? Do you believe that such emergency powers should be restricted, if so, how?

Our current governor has signed more than 500 executive orders. That is an abuse of power that must be stopped. I am against all mandates. The only thing we should mandate is freedom. I will not use emergency powers to override the will of our people like Governor Polis has done with his health emergency orders.

Protecting the Most Vulnerable

As Governor, how would you seek to protect the most vulnerable in our state, including the lives of the unborn, the trafficked, and the elderly?

The proper role of government is to protect your access to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As governor, I will fight to reverse the gut wrenching abortion legislation that Governor Polis signed into law. I will never make backroom deals like Polis has that led to the highest nursing home death rate in the country. I will restore law and order and support law enforcement by giving them the resources they say they need to fight trafficking and our drug crisis.

1st Amendment

What will you do as Colorado Governor to protect our citizens’ 1st Amendment rights to: the free exercise of religion, freedom of speech, peaceably assembly, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances, all of which are becoming more difficult to exercise in America (and around the world)?

Our First Amendment rights are paramount. As a CU Regent, I successfully got rid of free speech zones, ensuring the entire campus is free speech, and instituted programs for alternative conservative thought. I will lead the same fight for free speech as governor. I will never implement mandates that preclude churches and businesses from operating.

2nd Amendment

Do you believe that gun ownership is a civil right, and what are your positions in regards to red flag laws, magazine capacity bans, legislation that regulates gun storage, and permitless “Constitutional carry”?

I am the daughter of a police officer who learned very young to handle guns. As such, I am an adamant defender of our 2nd Amendment rights. I do not support the majority of gun restrictions that have been put into law recently in our state, including the magazine capacity bans and open carry restrictions at polling places. I do not support proposed requirements on gun storage. I support the will of Coloradans when it comes to gun carry and welcome putting Constitutional Carry to a vote.

State Budget

As Governor, what will be your priorities for the state budget and why? Constitutionally, do you agree or disagree with running a deficit yearly?

My priority for our state budget is redlining it to eliminate out of control spending. My priorities are funding policies that will decrease crime, support businesses, fix our roads, help our energy industry and address school performance and safety. That does not mean increasing funding for these programs, it means better allocation of resources. And no, I do not agree with running a deficit yearly.

Competing Business Sectors

As Governor, how would you seek to support Colorado’s oil and gas, agriculture, and livestock industries, while also supporting the newer green energy and alternative food sources industries with which these traditional businesses sectors seemingly compete?

We must encourage and reward innovation in all of these industries. I’m for an all of the above energy approach that embraces both natural resources and renewable energy. We can support our oil and gas by reducing regulation and permitting red tape. We should not force green energy on people. It should be something we all come to embrace on our own through incentives and appealing technology.

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